Titans confirm top spot with easy win over Cobras
An unbeaten half-century by Jonathan Vandiar paved the way for the Titans to conclude their MODC regular season with a comfortable eight-wicket win over the Cape Cobras at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
The left-hander made 72 (78 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) to help his team reach their 185-run victory target with almost 20 overs to spare. Vandiar’s effort came after the home bowlers shot out the visitors for 184 after winning the toss and opting to bowl first.
Aviwe Mgijima was the only batsmen to hit a half-century, holding the innings together thanks to his 52 (96 balls, 2 fours). There were also contributions of 42 from Dane Vilas and 39 by Dayyaan Galiem as the Cobras were bundled out in 44.5 overs.
All the bowlers shone for the Titans, the pick of them being Lungi Ngidi with his 2/20 in eight overs, with two apiece also for Junior Dala (2/33) and Tabraiz Shamsi (2/53).
The reply was fluent one for the hosts, bar a hiccup, when the 100 was raised.
Aiden Markram helped Vandiar put on 75 for the first wicket, before Eddie Leie (3/54) removed the former for 49. The on-loan Highveld Lions spinner then took out Heino Kuhn (19) and Proteas captain AB de Villiers, who was caught and bowled for a second-ball duck, within the space of three deliveries.
That left the Titans on 100/3, but Farhaan Behardien and Vandiar put on 81 for the fourth wicket to ensure the home side won with ease – 111 balls to be precise.
They will now watch over the weekend and await the winner of the Qualifier between the Knights and the Warriors to learn whom they will meet in the March 31 final.
Latest
-
NewsSimon Harmer moves to 49 Championship wickets as Essex beat Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire were bowled out for 197.
-
NewsQ&A: Can England bounce back to level series in fifth Test against India?
The final Test gets under way at Old Trafford on Friday.
-
NewsEngland look set to be without Ben Stokes for Twenty20 World Cup
The all-rounder is currently taking an indefinite leave of absence from the sport.
-
NewsJos Buttler and Jack Leach return as England bid to salvage India series
Defeat by 157 runs at the Kia Oval has left the hosts 2-1 behind going into Friday’s decider at Emirates Old Trafford.
-
NewsOn this day in 2017: Ben Stokes gets his name on second Lord’s honours board
Stokes took six for 22 against West Indies to make his way on to the bowling honours board at the home of cricket.
-
NewsHarry Brook and Matthew Fisher inspire Yorkshire to crushing win over Somerset
The visitors had no answers at Scarborough.
-
NewsVirat Kohli says India’s bowling performance among top three of his captaincy
It was a display of skill and discipline on a pitch that England were sure had flattened out and there were plenty of heroes.
-
NewsJoe Root wants England to show more steel in big moments after fourth Test loss
A see-saw series swung back in the tourists’ favour as they roared to a 157-run victory in the fourth LV= Insurance Test.
-
NewsA look at some other times batting has let England down after fourth-Test defeat
England crashed to 147 for six as Ollie Pope fell for two and Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali for ducks.
-
NewsEngland outclassed as India ease to fourth Test victory
The hosts managed just 210 in their second innings as India took a 2-1 lead with a game to play.